Big ideas Factory at Tumbalong Park
Designed for curious kids, this free school holiday program is packed with interactive activities that bring science, technology, creativity and engineering to life. From science-inspired storytime and hands-on experiments to robotics, construction, sculpture and giant lawn games, there’s something for every curious mind.
Make the most of the Spring School Holidays with a day of big ideas, hands-on discovery and plenty of fun at the Big Ideas Factory in Tumbalong Park.Little ones can explore the world of STEM through stories and play, budding builders can get creative with tools and recycled materials, and aspiring engineers can learn to code and put their robots to the test. Keep an eye out for a roaming humanoid robot, add to a giant recycled sculpture, or simply drop into the lawn games for some free-play fun.
Best of all, many activities are drop-in, so there’s no need to arrive at a particular time or follow a set schedule. Come along, choose your adventure and let the kids explore at their own pace.
Want more? See what else is happening this Spring School Holidays.
Science Storytime
Suitable for 3 - 5 years olds
Take story time off the page and into the world of hands-on science, experiments and crafts.
Little ones can listen to a story, then get stuck into STEM activities inspired by the characters and themes.
With The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie, kids can create a climbing sloth, rank animals from fastest to slowest and discover what it might feel like to hang upside down all day. Finish with a craft activity and make a climbing sloth to take home.
It’s drop-in, so there’s no need to start at the beginning. Jump into an activity at any stage, or take a breather with a book in the reading nook.
Creative Construction Zone
Suitable for 5 - 8 years olds
Ready to get hands-on? The Creative Construction Zone lets kids make, build and experiment with science-inspired creations.
Younger children can sit down and make their own science toy, including airballs and wacky wobblers. Activities take around 5–15 minutes and are suitable for children aged 3 and up.
Older kids can step into a mini construction experience, complete with a high-vis vest and safety goggles, before getting on the tools to build their very own toolbox.
Robotics Workshop
Suitable for 8 - 12 years old
Get hands-on with coding and robotics at the Robotics Lab. Kids can program an Edison robot, tackle challenges and put their problem-solving skills to the test.
With six interactive stations to explore, kids can drop in, get coding and work at their own pace — from navigating obstacles and following lights to line tracking and remote-controlled driving.
Complete the final challenge and earn a Robot Skills Certificate. Plus, kids can create their own robot artwork to take home.
Build a Sustainable Bridge
Suitable for the whole family
Calling all young engineers, makers and creative thinkers! Get hands-on with a team from Reverse Garbage and help build a replica of Sydney’s iconic Pyrmont Bridge using reclaimed and recycled materials.
Drop in anytime to add to the interactive sculpture and see how creativity, engineering and environmental awareness can come together. Because sometimes, the best things can be built from materials that might otherwise go to waste.
Free Family Movies
Suitable for the whole family
Swap screen time on the couch for screen time under the sky. Tumbalong Park turns into an outdoor cinema, with two family favourites made for big imaginations and even bigger ideas.
Pack a picnic, bring a rug and settle in for an afternoon of free movies in the heart of Darling Harbour.
Saturday 3 October:
3.30pm — The LEGO Movie
5.30pm — Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Robot Meet N Greet
Suitable for the whole family
Keep your eyes peeled because a humanoid robot will be exploring Tumbalong Park! Kids can meet this amazing robotic friend as it roams the park, waving hello, interacting with visitors, showing off its clever moves and posing for photos.
Lawn Games
Suitable for the whole family
This free-play space invites young minds to build, explore and problem-solve through hands-on activities. Kids can get creative with a variety of oversized and tabletop building blocks, constructing everything from towering structures to imaginative creations. They'll also enjoy a selection of giant lawn games and brain-teasing puzzles that encourage teamwork, critical thinking and friendly competition.
Accessibility
Darling Harbour aims to deliver an inclusive and accessible experience:
- Easy navigation: Find accessible pathways into Tumbalong Park. Check the Darling Harbour map for overall accessibility.
- Accessible toilets: Find conveniently located accessible toilets, about 150 metres from both sides of Tumbalong Park.
- Stable footing: The Tumbalong Park event area features grass and Supa Trac flooring, designed for stability. (Note: grass may be muddy/slippery.)
- Helpful staff: Look for the Darling Harbour team in purple hi-vis vests they're here to assist!
- Sensory-friendly room: The calming sensory room is an immersive experience in a purposefully designed multisensory environment that engages the senses in a positive way.